S. HrG. 103-554
NOMINATION OF AUN SAGNER TO BE A MEMBER
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COR-
PORATION FOR PUBUC BROADCASTING
Y 4.C 73/7: S. HRG. 103-554 ^^^ ^^^
Honinations of «,« Sagner to be j...
HEARING
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED THIRD CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
MAY 10, 1994
Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
AUo .
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
79-304 CC WASHINGTON : 1994
For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office
Superintendent of Documents. Congressional Sales Office, Washington. DC 20402
ISBN 0-16-044415-2
S. Hrg. 103-554
NOMINATION OF AUN SAGNER TO BE A MEMBER
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COR-
PORATION FOR PUBUC BROADCASTING
4. C 73/7: S. HRG. 103-554
"illations of Wan Sajner to ke a...
HEARING
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED THIRD CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
MAY 10, 1994
Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
f i-.r.f
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
79-304 CC WASHINGTON : 1994
For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office
Superintendent of Documents. Congressional Sales Office. Washington, DC 20402
ISBN 0-16-044415-2
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
ERNEST F. HOLLINGS,
DANIEL K. INOUYE. Hawaii
WENDELL H. FORD, Kentucky
J. JAMES EXON, Nebraska
JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER IV, West Virginia
JOHN F. KERRY, Massachusetts
JOHN B. BREAlix, Louisiana
RICHARD H. BRYAN, Nevada
CHARLES S. ROBB, Virginia
BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota
HARLAN MATHEWS, Tennessee
Kevin G. Curtin, Chief
Jonathan Chambers,
South Carolina, Chairman
JOHN C. DANFORTH. Missouri
BOB PACKWOOD, Oregon
LARRY PRESSLER, South Dakota
TED STEVENS, Alaska
JOHN MCCAIN, Arizona
CONRAD BURNS, Montana
SLADE GORTON, Washington
TRENT LOTT, Mississippi
KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, Texas
Counsel and Staff Director
Republican Staff Director
(II)
CONTENTS
Page
Opening statement of Senator Hollings 3
Opening statement of Senator Inouye 1
Prepared statement of Senator Bradley 2
Prepared statement of Senator Pressler 11
List of Witnesses
Lautenberg, Hon. Frank R., U.S. Senator from New Jersey 1
Sagner, Alan, nominee-designate to be a member of the Board of Directors
of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting 4
Biographical data and prehearing questions and answers 5
Appendix
Questions asked by Senator McCain and answers thereto by Mr. Sagner 15
(III)
NOMINATION OF ALAN SAGNER TO BE A
MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROAD-
CASTING
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 3:45 p.m. in room SR-
253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Daniel K Inouye, presid-
ing.
Staff members assigned to this hearing: Sheryl J. Wilkerson and
Rebecca A. Kojm, professional staff members; and Mary P.
McManus, minority staff counsel, and Emily J. Gallop, minority
professional staff member.
OPENmG STATEMENT OF SENATOR INOUYE
Senator Inouye. May I call upon the Honorable Frank Lauten-
berg, U.S. Senator from the State of New Jersey? And may I call
upon the nominee for the CPB, Mr. Alan Sagner?
STATEMENT OF HON. FRANK R. LAUTENBERG, U.S. SENATOR
FROM NEW JERSEY
Senator LAUTENBERG. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
While we wait for Mr. Sagner to come to the table, I do want to
say that in my earlier service in the Senate I sat on this committee
and always enjoyed it. I like the agenda, and I would have to say,
Mr. Chairman, you always have a way of adding a note of wisdom
to your comments. And when you talked about the first amendment
protection and some of the things we are concerned about, it is al-
ways refreshing to examine what it is that keeps us so free. And
that is some liberty that sometimes occasionally provides room for
offense to one of us or another. But nevertheless, it protects the
right to speak out.
Mr, Chairman, I am delighted to be here to present someone
from New Jersey with whom I have had a long-time association.
Alan Sagner and I go back for more than 25 years. It is rare that
one has a chance to introduce someone having the kind of knowl-
edge that one has here about a prospective appointment. And that
is my opportunity and frankly my privilege this day with Alan
Sagner.
Alan has had a very distinguished background in both public
service and in the private sector. He is a businessman, considered
(1)
one of the better people in an industry that has gone through some
turmoil and tribulation, and that is the real estate construction
and development industry. Alan's reputation there is superb.
But our association has been more ordinary or more routine
when he introduced me, in fact Mr. Chairman, to what I would
have to say is my Senate career, because Alan was involved in a
very serious way in matters of transportation, serving on the Port
Authority of New York and New Jersey, appointed by a Governor
whom we both knew. He knew the then-Governor Byrne perhaps
somewhat better than I, and Alan recommended me for a post on
the Port Authority, as a Commissioner on the Port Authority of
New York and New Jersey, one of the best operating semipublic
bodies, agencies, in the country. It is an agency that includes air-
ports and bus terminals and truck terminals and marine terminals
and bridges and tunnels, an excellent agency.
Alan was commissioner of transportation in the cabinet of Grov-
ernor Byrne and then became chairman of the Port Authority, and
he rendered distinguished service there. He was innovative, hard-
charging, Alan is the kind of fellow who brought his business expe-
rience to the public sector and merged the two of them very, very
efficiently. He is known to be frugal where it is necessary to oe fru-
gal— I am not talking about his personal habits, I am talking about
his professional bent — and brings it with him wherever he goes in
the public sector, and there have been many activities in which he
has taken a place, not the least of which is the 42d Street in New
York Development Board. And if you see some of the changes that
are contemplated in this area of despair and destitution, it would
be a most impressive thing.
So, I think Alan Sagner is an ideal candidate for an appointment
to the Corporation of Public Broadcasting Board. I think he will
serve us well. He is a clear thinking, intelligent individual. I say
things here that I do not always say to him privately, but Mr.
Chairman, the truth will out; Alan Sagner is a distinguished public
servant, he will do a good job wherever he is put, and I am pleased
to recommend him for expedited and positive response from this
committee.
Senator Inouye. Senator Lautenberg, thank you very much for
your patience in waiting for your turn, and I realize that you have
had to leave your meeting which you were presiding over and now
you will have to leave.
I have been asked by Senator Bradley to place his statement in
the record. As you know, Senator Bradley also had a hearing which
he is presiding over, and he sends his regrets to you, sir.
[The prepared statement of Senator Bradley follows:]
Prepared Statement of Senator Bradley
I am very pleased to join my colleague Senator Lautenberg in introducing Alan
Sagner to this committee. I can think of no one better qualified to serve on the
board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting than someone like Alan Sagner,
whose career has balanced achievement in business with public service.
In both his roles, Alan Sagner has helped shape the landscape of New Jersey in
much the way the Corporation for Public Broadcasting seeks to shape our cultural
landscape. As a residential developer, he built much of the community around Liv-
ingston and East Hanover, NJ. Beginning in 1974, when he became commissioner
of transportation for my State, ana a commissioner of the Port Authority of New
Yoric and New Jersey, he has been actively engaged in developing the public policy
and planning process that would build both economic prosperity and a better quality
of liie for our region. He later served as NJ Chairman of the Tri-State Regional
Planning Commission, and for many years as chairman of the Port Authority.
Alan Sagner's activities have not been limited to development and planning. He
has been president of the Board of Trustees at Newark's Beth Israel Medical Center,
and vice president of the Health and Hospitals Council of Metropolitan New Jersey.
As a current board member of Business Executives for National Security, he has
been a strong voice for a sound defense policy, and on the board of the 42d Street
Development Corp., he has tackled the difficult task of turning an area character-
ized by physical and cultural decay into a welcoming locale for visitors and business
alike.
Alan Sagner's career embodies the ideals of the Corporation for Public Broadcast-
ing— a broad, generous civic spirit; a concern for the health of our culture; and a
conviction that the public and private sectors can collaborate to build a better fu-
ture. I hope the committee will endorse his nomination quickly and unanimously.
Senator Inouye. We will now consider the nomination of Mr.
Alan Sagner to be a member of the Corporation of Public Broad-
casting for a term expiring January 31, 1998. The CPB is a private,
nonprofit nongovernmental corporation authorized by the Public
Broadcasting Act of 1967. It is responsible for extending public
broadcasting to all Americans and for promoting broadcast pro-
gramming aimed at audiences whose needs are not addressed by
commercial broadcasters. Mr. Chairman, your comments, please.
OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR ROLLINGS
The Chairman. The committee meets today to consider the nomi-
nation of Alan Sagner to the board of the Corporation for Public
Broadcasting. I welcome Mr. Sagner to the committee.
Mr. Sagner has over 50 years of business experience. He has
worked for many years for the States of New Jersey and New York,
and has affiliations with numerous professional, civic, and chari-
table boards and associations.
As a member of the CPB board, Mr. Sagner will be called upon
to maintain the commitment to quality and educational program-
ming on public broadcasting, and to ensure that television fulfills
its potential as a source of learning for all Americans in this coun-
try.
I look forward to Mr. Sagner's testimony this afternoon.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Senator Inouye. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As a member of the
board, Mr. Sagner will be responsible for setting policy and estab-
lishing the program priorities of the CPB. Mr. Sagner will face the
difficult challenge of identifying and funding the highest quality
broadcast programming, while ensuring that the Corporation dem-
onstrates balance and objectivity.
This is an appropriate time to remind CPB and public broadcast-
ing stations to continue to provide programming for minorities and
traditionally unserved and underserved areas, to continue their ef-
forts to provide educational and instructional information to our
Nation's homes and schools, to promote technological developments,
and to keep the doors open so that the American people can ex-
press their views about public broadcasting. This is not going to be
an easy job for you, sir.
As Senator Lautenberg pointed out, Mr. Sagner has extensive
business experience — over 50 years. We are most pleased to have
you with us. I would just like to make a personal note. We had a
nominee a few hours ago — a few minutes ago — 34 years old. And
is your resume correct, you were born in 1920?
Mr. Sagner. Yes, sir.
Senator Inouye. I am glad you are here. You make me feel
younger, [Laughter.]
Mr. Sagner. That is my job in too many places, I am afraid.
[Laughter.]
Senator Inouye. Mr. Sagner, I welcome you and I look forward
to hearing your statement and your responses that may be posed
by members of this committee. It is my hope that we will be able
to report your nomination before the end of the month. As I an-
noimced, a week from now we will have a special meeting of this
committee, and at that time I hope we will have the opportunity
to recommend your confirmation, sir.
Mr. Sagner. Thank you. Senator.
Senator Inouye. May I now call upon you, Mr. Sagner, for your
statement?
STATEMENT OF ALAN SAGNER, NOMINEE-DESIGNATE TO BE A
MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORA-
TION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING
Mr. Sagner. I have a brief statement, Senator.
I am honored to be here today to answer any questions that you
and the others might have concerning my appointment to the board
of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and thank you for this
opportunity.
I know, Mr. Chairman, that you and Senator Stevens, who I had
a chance to meet with earlier today, as well as other committee
members have contributed to making public broadcasting the
strong and vital institution that it is today. And I appreciate Presi-
dent Clinton allowing me this opportunity to be of service, and my
two Senators from New Jersey, Senator Bradley and Senator Lau-
tenberg, for their endorsements.
My experience over the years in business, community activity,
politics, and government, has demonstrated to me how important
it is for our citizens to know more about our country, its history,
culture, and environment. It is important to enable people to intel-
ligently perform their civic responsibilities, yes, and to motivate
them to become more involved.
Many of my activities have been dedicated to this objective. It
has become apparent to me in this effort that radio and television
are the ultimate avenue for the most effective accomplishment of
this goal. This observation, which is shared by my friends and asso-
ciates of all political persuasions, is that the continuing decrease in
the number of citizens participating in elections and other political
activity limits the effectiveness of our government at all levels.
I have been a board member of Business Executives for National
Security, and the chair of the Center for American Culture Studies
at Columbia University, where our programs endeavor to adjust
this problem. And there, we saw the obvious advantage that radio
and TV have in reaching large audiences over and above any publi-
cations or meetings that we could organize.
As a businessperson I am acutely aware of the need to be fiscally
responsible and have all institutions accountable for value received
for public money spent. That is what I have been doing in my own
enterprises over the years, and as Frank mentioned, even in the
rough few years in the real estate business, and this is what I have
done in other organizations that I have been responsible for, and
this is what I will do if I am confirmed for this position on the
board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Great changes are ahead for the information superhighway. I
want to help to see if there are traffic lanes provided in a rational
and responsible way, lanes that represent the public agenda. This
might require a fresh new approach to the policies and practices of
the past. Over the years of my participation I have seen radical
changes in areas that I have been involved in, in the building busi-
ness, in hospital care, yes, and in the political process. I have seen
vast changes. To merit continued public support, directly or indi-
rectly, public radio and television must justify a distinct need not
filledf by the commercial media as, for example, public radio and
television doing Alaska.
So, if confirmed, I look forward to working with the staff and my
fellow trustees of the Corporation and Members of Congress and
other public officials.
Thank you.
[The biographical data and prehearing questions and answers of
Mr. Sagner follow:]
Biographical Data
Name: Sagner, Alan; address: 2 Crest Circle, South Orange, NJ 07079; business
address: 3 A.D.P. Boulevard, Roseland, NJ 07068.
Position to which nominated: Member of Board of the Corporation for Public
Broadcasting; date of nomination: April 1994.
Date of birth: September 13, 1920; place of birth: Baltimore, MD.
Marital status: Married; full name of spouse: Ruth Sagner; names and ages of
children: John Sagner, 47; Deborah Buurma, 44; and Amy Pouliot, 41.
Education: Forest Park High School, Baltimore, MD, 1934-38; University of Mary-
land, 1938-^2, BA; and Columbia University, 1988-91, MA.
Employment: 1980-present, Self-employed, Real Estate Developer; 1974-80, In
government; 1972-73, Self-employed, Real Estate Development; 1947-72, Self-em-
ployed, Real Estate Development; 1946-^7, Prior Manufacturing Co., Clothing Man-
ufacturing; 1942^6, A. Sagner & Sons, Clothing Manufacturing.
Government experience: 1977-87, Chairman, Port Authority of New York and
New Jersey; 1974-77, Commissioner, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey;
1974-77, Commissioner of Transportation, State of New Jersey; and 1976-77, New
Jersey Chairman, Tri-State Regional Planning Commission.
Political afliliations: 1992, Manager Trustee of Democratic National Committee;
Member of New Jersey State Finance Team; Organized and chaired New Jersey
Business Council for Clinton-Gore; and Organized Republicans for Clinton-Gore.
1988, Trustee for Democratic National Committee; and Delegate to convention in At-
lanta. 1984, Delegate to convention in San Francisco.
Date Title Amount
31-Jan-85 Friends af Alan Karcher $150.00
30-Apr-«5 Democratic Legislative Committee (1985) 500.00
31-May-85 Essex County Democrats 5,000.00
31-May-85 Lautenberg Committee 500.00
31-May-85 Shapiro 88 Committee 800.00
30-Jun-85 Friends of Bob Toricelli 1,000.00
31-Jan-86 Shapiro 86 Committee 500.00
28-Feb-86 Shapiro 86 Committee 2,000.00
31-Mar^6 Lautenberg Committee 11000.00
31-May-86 Citizens for Rodino 1,000.00
31-May-S6 Shapiro 86 Committee 500.00
31-May-85 Friends of Sharpe James 3,500.00
Date Title Amount
30_Sep-86 Shapiro 86 Committee 10,000.00
30-Sep-86 Bob Toncelli for Congress 500.00
31-Jan-87 Friends of Gary Hart 1,000.00
2a-Feb-«7 f^ Democratic State Comm 1,500.00
28-Feb-87 Friends of Richard Codey 200.00
31-Mar-87 Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee 1 ,000.00
30-Apr-«7 Dukakis for President 250.00
31-May-87 Democrats '87 500.00
31-May-87 Albert Gore for President 250.00
30-Jun-87 U.S. Senate Democratic Leadership Circle 5,000.00
30-Jun-87 Friends of Les Aspin 1,000.00
31-Jul-87 Friends of Hamilton Fish 1,000.00
31-Jul-87 Friends of J. Stockman 500.00
31-Aug-87 Essex County Democrats 500.00
31-Dec-87 Bill Bradley for Senate 2,000.00
31-Jan-88 Babbitt for President 1,000.00
28-Feb-88 Dukakis for President 750.00
28-Feb-88 Jackson for President 1,000.00
30-Apr-88 T. D'Alessio for Sheriff 250.00
30-Apr-88 Friends of M. Jackson 250.00
31-May-«8 Essex County Democrats 1,250.00
31-May-88 McCarthy for U.S.Senate 1,000.00
31-May-88 Payne for Congress 250.00
31-May-88 Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee 1,000.00
30-Jun-88 NJ Democratic State Comm 1,000.00
3a-Jun-88 Friends of Lynn Adelman 100.00
30-Jun-88 Congressman Toncelli 500.00
30-Jun-88 Democratic National Comm. Victory Fund 75,000.00
31-Jul-88 Friends of Hamilton Fish 1,000.00
31-Jul-88 Congressman Toncelli 50O00
31-Jul-88 Essex County Democratic Comm 500.00
30-Sep-«8 Dukakis Transition '88 5,000.00
30-Sep-88 Mike Espy for Congress 250.00
30-Sep-88 Friends of Bob Toncelli 125.00
31-0ct-88 T. D'Alessio Campaign 25O00
31-Oct-88 Mezvinsky for Att'y Gen 250.00
31-Jan-89 N.J. Democrats-State Committee 1,000.00
28-Feb-89 Atlantans for M. Jackson 250.00
30-Mar-89 Firends of Les Aspin 500.00
31-Mar-89 Committee for H. McEnroe 100.00
31-Mar-89 Friends of J. Stockman 300.00
30-Apr-89 Lautenberg Committee 500.00
30-Apr-89 Vinich for Congress 1,000.00
31-May-89 Essex County Democrats 1,000.00
30-Jun-89 Florio for Governor 1,500.00
07-Jul-89 Essex County Democrats 500.00
31-Aug-89 Choicepac 100.00
31-Aug-89 Friends of Richard Codey 175.00
31-Aug-89 Citizens for Ravitch 1,000.00
26-Sep-89 Democratic Senatorial Campaign 10,000.00
30-Sep-89 Choicepac 180.00
30-Sep-89 Friends/Greta Kiernan 150.00
30-Sep-89 Wilder for Governor 500.00
31-0ct-89 Donald Bradley Campaign 1,000.00
31-Oct-89 Oinkins Campaign 500.00
31-Oct-89 Fund— Elect B. Fortunate 100.00
31-Oct-89 Friends/Winona Lipman 50.00
30-NOV-89 Democratic National Committee 1,000.00
08-Jan-90 Inaugural '90 500.00
12-Fet>-90 Friends of Les Aspin 1,000.00
27-Feb-90 Chandler for Congress 1,000.00
02-Mar-90 Citizens for Harkin 1,000.00
05-Mar-90 Kerry for Senator 1,000.00
06-Mar-90 Don Payne for Congress 250.00
06-Mar-90 Friends of J. Stockman 250.00
15-Mar-90 Simon for Senate 500.00
Date Title Amount
03-Apr-90 Friends of Bob Toricelli 1,000.00
O7-Apr-90 Wyche Fowler for Senate 1,000.00
18-Apr-90 Citizens for Harkin 1,000.00
3O-Apr-90 Simon for Senate 500.00
09-May-90 Essex County Friends of Vic DeLuca 100.00
31-May-90 Easely for Senate 1,000.00
Ol-Jun-90 Toricelli— PAC 50.00
13-Jun-90 Inaugural Committee — Sharpe James 125.00
lO-Aug-90 Friends— Senator Pell 500.00
20-Aug-90 Democratic Party 1,000.00
20-Sep-90 Exon for US Senate 500.00
Ol-Oct-90 Essex County Democrats 150.00
18-0ct-90 Salmon for Senate 100.00
18-0ct-90 Friends— Rosa Oe Lauro 125.00
Ol-Nov-90 Texas Democratic State Comm. for Richards (Ann) 500.00
08-NOV-90 Payne for Congress Payne 250.00
14-Fet>-91 Abrams 92 Committee 1,000.00
04-Mar-91 Friends— Jerry Stockman 175.00
25-Mar-91 Friends— Robert Andrews 250.00
28-Mar-91 Democratic Congressional Dinner Committee 5,000.00
15-Apr-91 Lautenberg Committee 500.00
02-May-91 Essex County Democrats 150.00
20-May-91 Don Payne for Congress 250.00
03-Sep-91 Stockman for Senate 150.00
03-Sep-91 Americans for Harkin 250.00
23-Sep-91 Americans for Harkin 750.00
04-0ct-91 Hariy Pozycki for Senate 150.00
lO-Oct-91 Essex County Democratic Committee 150.00
lO-Oct-91 Elly Manov for NJ Senate 150.00
14-0ct-91 Democratic Senatonal Campaign Committe 5,000.00
Ol-Nov-91 Pozycki for Senate 150.00
31-Dec-91 Tom Harkin Legal Def Fun 1,000.00
31-Mar-92 Clinton for President 1,000.00
30-Jun-92 Lagermasini — Democrats for Change .■ 1,000.00
30-Jun-92 Democratic National Committee 9,500.00
31-Jul-92 Passaic Democratic Committee 1,000.00
30-Sep-92 NJ Gala— 92 3,000.00
30-Sep-92 Clinton for Governor 1,000.00
31-Oct-92 Middlesex County Democrats 100.00
31-Oct-92 Democrats for Change 20,000.00
30-NOV-92 South Orange Democratic Committee 100.00
31-Dec-92 Presidential Transition Plan Foundation 1,000.00
31-Oec-92 Presidential Inaugural Committee 3,000.00
31-Dec-92 Emily's List 1,000.00
14-Jan-93 Floric Exploratory Committee 1,800.00
27-Jan-93 Democratic Governors Association 1,500.00
08-Feb-93 Citizens to Elect Sharpe James 200.00
25-Feb-93 Bill Bradley— US Senate "96 500.00
Ol-Mar-93 Terry for Governor 150.00
Ol-Apr-93 Democratic Senatorial Committee ....,„.„...... i , 5,000.00
Ol-Apr-93 Ted Kennedy '. 1,000.00
04-Apr-93 Lautenberg Committee (Primary) 1,000.00
04-Apr-93 Lautenberg Committee (General) 1,000.00
16-Apr-93 Bernard Kenny Jr. for Senator 200.00
28-Apr-93 Democratic National Committee 7,500.00
27-Apr-93 Byron Baer, Democrat for Senate 500.00
30-Jun-93 Campaign '93 5,000.00
25-Aug-93 Stockman for Senate 250.00
25-Aug-93 Friends of Cody 150.00
30-Aug-93 Friends of Everette 500.00
14-Sep-93 Campaign '93 2,500.00
21-Sep-93 Maclnnes for Senate 1,500.00
21-Oct-93 Campaign '93 15,000.00
30-NOV-93 McCall for Comptroller '94 500,00
Ol-Feb-94 Citizens to Elect Sharpe James 200.00
28-Fet>-94 Herb Klein Congress (General) 1,000.00
8
Date Title Amount
28-Feb-94 Herb Klein-Congress (Primary) 1,000.00
03-Mar-94 Democratic Senatorial Campaign ; 5,000.00
22-Mar-94 Democratic National Committee 5,000.00
24-Mar-94 Bill Bradley for Senate 1,000.00
Memberships: President, Board of Trustees, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center,
New Jersey; Vice President, Health and Hospitals Council of Metropolitan New Jer-
sey; Trustee, New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry; Board Member, Re-
gional Plan Association, New York City; Board Member, Business Executives for
National Security, DC; Member, Advisory Board Columbia University School of Gen-
eral Studies; Chairman, Executive Board, Columbia University Center for American
Culture Studies; Board Member, 42d Street Development Corp.; Board Member,
Paper Mill Playhouse; Chair, National U.J.A. Young Leadership Cabinet; Member,
Executive Committee of the National United Jewisn Appeal; President, Mountain
Ridge Country Club, Caldwell, NJ; Member, Palm Beach Country Club, Palm
Beach, FL; Member, Stockbridge Golf Club, Stockbridge, MA; Member, Orange
Lawn Tennis Club, South Orange, NJ; Member, Harmonie Club, New York, NY; and
Charter Member and Past President, Livingston, (NJ) Rotary Club.
Honors and awards: Knight of the Year, Seton Hall University, 1978; Annual
Honoree, ACLU, 1979; Citizen Award, New Jersey Medical Society, 1981; and Man
of the Year, South Orange, NJ, 1977.
Published writings: None.
Prehearing Questions Asked by the Committee and Answers Thereto by Mr.
Sagner
Question. What initiatives would you undertake as a Member of the CPB Board
of Directors? What issues are of particular interest to you?
Answer. I hesitate to describe "initiatives" until I know the Corporation for Public
Broadcasting more fully.
There are three areas that would have a priority for me.
1) To explore the possibility of programming and broadcasting of high quality pro-
grams that can attract audiences to a balanced and historically correct presentation
of the history and culture of our country.
2) To find a role for CPB to get such programs and many of the existing programs
to audiences around the globe, especially in third world countries. The tremendous
popularity of American television abroad has created a voracious demand for pro-
gramming, much of which is violent, lurid, or presents a radically distorted view of
the United States. Professor Paul Kennedy, in his book, "Preparing for the 21st Cen-
tury," considers the communication explosion high on his list of concerns.
3) To explore the possibility of increasing funding in a dependable and respon-
sible way to finance the programming and broadcasting in the public area.
Question. In general, are there any changes that you would seek to make in the
policies and procedures of the CPB?
Answer. I have reservations about suggesting changes in the policies and proce-
dures of the CPB until I have more opportunity to discuss with present Board mem-
bers and staff, the basis upon which tney are currently operating.
Question. One of the issues that has arisen repeatedly in connection with the
CPB is the propriety of federal funding for public broadcasting. Do you support fed-
eral funding as a method of financing public radio and television?
Answer. I support government financing, both at the federal and at the state
level, for public broadcasting. While federal funding is a relatively small percentage
of the total money spent, it is significant enough to play a major role — the one that
1 believe appropriate for the government. Our elected officials and their institutions
represent the public in a way that no commercial enterprise dedicated to profit only,
can. Therefore, overseeing and supporting public broadcasting is logical.
Question. What are your views on alternative financing, such as enhanced under-
writing for public broadcasting?
Answer. Inasmuch as present public broadcasting is financed essentially by funds
other than government, the possioility of expanding current resources and exploring
new resources should be examined. A delicate balance is required to make certain
that underwriting is a public service of the donor and doesn't intrude upon the man-
agement or programming of what is broadcast.
Question. One of the major goals of the CPB has been the expansion of public
broadcasting service to unserved or underserved parts of the country. While this
goal has been largely fulfilled for public television, there are still many parts of the
country that are not served by public radio. Do you believe that the CPB needs to
focus additional resources on expansion of public radio service?
Answer. I would enthusiastically support the efibrts of CPB to expand public
broadcasting to the unserved and underserved parts of the country. As a devoted
listener to public radio and the fine programs produced by NPR, APR and the local
station, I would support any rational plan to focus resources on the expansion of
public radio service.
Question. In that same vein, concern has been expressed about the need for more
radio programming which addresses the particular needs of audiences in rural areas
and minority audiences. Do you believe that this concern is one that the CPB should
address?
Answer. I understand the CPB has an ongoing minority participation program
and is pursuing the needs of audiences in rural and minority interests. I know of
no reason not to continue this.
Question. Some observers believe that public broadcasting should receive a per-
centage of the royalties from the sale of products involving characters that appear
on puolic television stations. What are your thoughts on this issue?
Answer. Unless there are reasons that I am not aware of, I believe that public
broadcasting should explore the possibility of obtaining its share of profits that
would be derived from any production originating in the public sector.
Question. Many members of Congress intend to pass legislation this year which
would lay a foundation for the development of America's new information highway,
some believe that this legislation should set aside capacity on this information high-
way for public broadcasters and educational institutions. What are your views on
this issue?
Answer. The legislation under consideration by Congress is reported to lay a
foundation for the development of America's new information highway and should
be examined very carefully by those who have a responsibility for public broadcast-
ing.
From what I have learned to date, the technological advances and their potential
are both a positive and negative challenge for public broadcasting. On the positive
side, increased capacity and accessibility would provide entree to many new consum-
ers for the products of public television. However, 1 am aware also of the concern
that the large number of channels that will be available would allow programming
specialization that might difTuse the attraction that viewers of public broadcasting
and television only find at that source. CPB could play a major role in seeing that
advantage is taken of the positive aspects of these potential changes.
If confirmed, I will urge public broadcasting to use the excellent programming
that our system produces to secure a place on the information superhighway. I also
believe that the public's interest must be protected and nurtured in the NIL There
are several proposals extant for doing iust that, and 1 look forward to working with
my colleagues on the Board as they address this issue.
Senator Inouye. I thank you very much, Mr. Sagner.
I would like to advise the committee that all necessary docu-
ments and questionnaires have been responded to, and submitted
and received by the committee, and all seems to be in order.
Senator McCain.
Senator McCain. Mr. Sagner, did you ask to come and visit with
me as a part of your confirmation process?
Mr. Sagner. I got here rather late today and we were not able
to do that, Senator.
Senator McCain. When were you told you were nominated?
Mr. Sagner. When was I told? Well, it has been a long process.
The actual knowledge that I would be having this hearing I got last
Thursday.
Senator McCain. It is customary, Mr. Sagner.
Tell me again your qualifications for this position?
Mr. Sagner. Well, I think that I have had experience. Senator,
in government. I served in the government of Brendan Byrne, I
have served on the Port Authority, I have been involved in many
other public affairs, and I am concerned, through my interest in
government, community, and politics, as I said in my statement,
10
for the public to be well informed. I think there is no better way
to do that than through the media of public radio and television.
In the hearings that I sat in for the FCC I heard Senator Dan-
forth talking about the problems that he sees in commercial tele-
vision, and I am in agreement with that statement. And I have
three children and eight grandchildren, and I am concerned about
what they see, what they are too exposed to on television. And I
am very much interested in doing what I can to see that we bring
the message and the programs that can be brought forth on public
television and public radio.
Senator McCain. Those are your qualifications for this job?
Mr. Sagner. I think so. Yes, sir.
Senator McCain. I notice by your information provided to the
committee that you have been very generous over the years —
$283,405 to Democrat candidates for various offices. You have been
very generous, Mr. Sagner, exceedingly generous.
I wonder, Mr. Sagner, just out of curiosity looking through this,
on February 28, 1988 you gave both Mr. Dukakis $750 and Jesse
Jackson $1,000 on the same day for President — interesting.
Dukakis transition 1988. That must have been an interesting expe-
rience to have been in the Dukakis transition.
Well, this happens in administration to administration, Mr.
Sagner. I do not think you are qualified. I do not think you have
had any experience in public broadcasting, I do not think you have
had any knowledge or involvement. I am very concerned about pub-
lic broadcasting. Senator Dole and I have been very concerned
about the clear oias of public broadcasting.
During the 1992 election campaign, PBS ran 6 hours of programs
by Moyers and Greider on how badly the country failed under 12
years of Republican administrations, no opportunity to Republicans
for rebuttal. What did not surprise anyone was the public broad-
casters at WGBH who were reporting November results cheered on
camera when it was announced that Clinton had gone over the top.
One of my favorites was the two shows charging that President
Bush and former President Reagan stole the 1980 election by cut-
ting a deal with the Ayatollah Khomeini, no opportunity again for
rebuttal, nor were there any apologies or corrections offered by
PBS when the October Surprise theory was dismissed as unproven
by a Democrat-controlled committee of Congress.
So, we will continue to document the clear left bias, hour after
hour of television programs praising the Marxist guerrillas in El
Salvador, the Marxist dictatorships in Cuba and Nicaragua, and
also under Senator Dole the Congress enacted amendments to the
reauthorization bill that required the Corporation for Public Broad-
casting to review its programming and take steps to balance its
product. So far there clearly has been none.
So, I will not waste your time and the committee's by asking you
questions in an area that I know you are not familiar with, and I
have no further questions, Mr. Chairman.
Senator Inouye. Senator Pressler.
Senator Pressler. Mr. Chairman, I would like to insert my pre-
pared statement in the record.
Senator Inouye. So ordered.
[The prepared statement of Senator Pressler follows:]
11
Prepared Statement of Senator Pressler
Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding today's hearing on the nomination of Alan
Sagner to the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Since
its creation in 1967, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has been the
cornerstone of public television and radio. Millions of Americans have been raised
on its children's shows while their parents and grandparents have enjoyed the daily
quality programming CPB offers. I am pleased to see that someone of Mr. Sagner's
business background has been nominated to serve on the Board of Directors. I look
forward to discussing with him some of the issues facing CPB.
Senator Pressler. Let me follow up on Senator McCain's ques-
tion. Let us analyze this, because I think he has made some good
points here.
What is your analysis of what is believed to be the liberal bias
of public broadcasting. Of course, some of us say we are liberals
and some say we are conservatives. In politics you generally have
to register as a Republican or as a Democrat in order to get elected
to this body, although I think we have one independent in the
other body. In my State, the State legislators — the Republicans all
feel that the news produced is biased toward the Democrats. And
here in this Congress, the Republicans feel that the national news
and programming is biased toward the so-called liberal point of
view.
Of course, some of us just get used to that. I personally think
that most people who work in the press come from what we term
in modem time as a liberal point of view, which in neoclassic terms
would be conservative. Anyway, you know what I mean.
Give us some analysis. Do you think that public broadcasting is
fair, from what you have seen of it? Do you think it goes down the
middle? Do you think it makes efforts to be fair? Because a lot of
people feel that it makes efforts to be left of center.
Mr. Sagner. I would not take that position, Senator. I have lis-
tened to public radio almost every day, NPR in the morning when
I do my workout, and it is very hard to judge. I mean, by my
record, as Senator McCain pointed out, I am a Democrat. I have
supported the Democratic Party over many years, and I do not
think that I am able to make an objective evaluation.
There are things that I hear on public radio that I do not agree
with. There are things that I hear that I do agree with. I was just
telling people at lunch today, I heard Nina Totenberg on NPR the
other morning talking about this present possible lawsuit against
the President, and I thought she was overlooking some very strong
points that would be on the President's behalf that she did not
mention. And so somebody who was "liberal," or supportive of the
President would say that her view was not as it should have been
whereas someone who was opposed to the President might have
said she made a good case. It is very hard to judge these things
objectively.
Senator Pressler. Well, I have more or less given up on trying
to worry about the media, because it seems that it is going to do
what it is going to do. But as I watch a lot of these special pro-
grams that PBS does, and I do watch some of them, as Senator
McCain has pointed out they do seem to have a definite left slant,
left in terms of what we mean today. Would you agree with that
or disagree?
Mr. Sagner. I would not agree with that.
12
Senator Pressler. You think they are fair?
Mr. Sagner. I do.
Senator Pressler. And do you think an ample chance for re-
sponse is given?
Mr. Sagner. If it is not, and if I am confirmed for this position
and someone points out to me specifics, I would feel it was my re-
sponsibility to see that there was a balance. I want to make that
very specific, Senator.
Senator Pressler. Let me ask you about what changes you
would like to make in the policies and procedures of the CPB?
Mr. Sagner. I think it is premature for me to say, except that
I would commit myself to what I just said, to see that what the
Corporation does and what it supports is done fairly and objec-
tively.
Senator Pressler. Now, you have been asked in the
prequestions a little bit about the legislation this year. What is
your view of setting aside capacity in the new information highwav
for public broadcasters and educational institutions how mucn
should it be and who would pay for it?
Mr. Sagner. The question that I was asked was, Do I believe
that the Federal Government should support public broadcasting?
Senator Pressler. No, on Al Grore's new information highway.
Mr. Sagner. Oh, yes. On the information highway.
Senator Pressler. Yes.
Mr. Sagner. Well, I think the legislation is still being discussed
in Congress. But I believe it is a very complicated question, as I
tried to explain in my answer. Senator. I think the public broad-
casting area has to justify its existence, as Senator Inouye pointed
out. There are many options now that did not exist before, and as
more channels become available — he mentioned Discovery Channel
I believe, and A&E and others that are showing programs that
were the province of public television, and now there will be more
channels available and more specialized programs.
I think public television has to justify its existence by being dis-
tinctive and serving a need that is not served by the other chan-
nels. I am not prepared to say what that is yet because I do not
know what the outcome is going to be, but that is what I had in
mind when I gave the answer that I gave, that I think we are going
through a period of great change.
Senator Pressler. Are you aware of a speech Senator Dole made
critical of the direction public television is going in, in this country,
on the Senate floor here the last time CPB's authorization was up?
Have you read that speech?
Mr. Sagner. No, I have not, sir.
Senator Pressler. For the record, would you read that speech
and comment in writing on it?
Mr. Sagner. Yes, I will.
[Senator Dole's speech can be found in a June 3, 1992 copy of the
Congressional Record on pp. S7425-S7441. The response referred
to above follows:]
At your request, I reviewed Senator Dole's June 3, 1992, floor statement made at
the time of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's last reauthorization. Your staff
has verified to CPB that this is the speech to which you referred at my confirmation
hearing. I read it carefully and was impressed by the scope of the Senator's com-
mentary and review.
13
Senator Dole's framing of the debate in terms of accountability and balance had
a familiar ring to me. As an experienced businessman and taxpayer, I share the
Senator's concern that tax dollars be spent wisely and efficiently and, moreover,
that a proper accounting be made for funds that are expended in the public interest.
Management efficiency and costsavings are important regardless oi the source of
revenue.
If confirmed, I will strive as a member of the board of the Corporation for Public
Broadcasting to see that funding is used primarily for programming and ancillary
services and not for administrative costs. CPB's authorizing statute limits the
amount of funding that can be spent on administration of the Corporation to no
more than 5 percent. CPE currently maintains an operations budget at 4.5 percent.
Also, as you may be aware, CPB board members receive no salary, just remunera-
tion for expenses incurred. This is how it should be in a nonprofit corporation and
I will do my best to see that sound business practices are brought to bear to keep
administrative costs low at CPB, and the CPB-funded projects.
I believe that my many years of experience in business and government and my
record of conservative fiscal management is one of my major qualifications for mem-
bership on the board of CPB.
My ability to achieve over 40 years of success in the competitive real estate and
construction business, results from my concern about careful management and cost
control.
My experience as chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
for 8 years supervising the expenditures and financial accountability of a quasi-
public organization is pertinent as in many ways in which the CPB and Port Au-
thority are similar. I became chairman of the Port Authority when it was under se-
rious attack for alleged improper expenditures and waste by high level staff and cer-
tain officers and commissioners. My executive director, Peter Goldmark and I thor-
oughly investigated the claims and dealt appropriately with those responsible for
any misdeeds. Most important, I initiated and staffed a new department of internal
audit with an inspector general with strong and independent powers. If confirmed
for this position, it is my intention to see that the CPB and any recipients of ftinds
through the CPB are held strictly accountable, by making any necessary proposals
with my fellow directors.
As for Senator Dole's concern for objectivity and balance in controversial program-
ming, I agree with his point that public broadcasting has an obligation to be accu-
rate and fair. If confirmed to the Doard, I intend to work with my fellow directors
and staff to carry out CPB's obligations under the law.
Public broadcasting should continue to seek out all voices and points of view in
programming. I believe CPB has taken strides to meet Senator Dole's concerns that
all Americans, not just members of the public broadcasting establishment, be heard
when refiecting on funding decisions in the past and for the future. I will continue
to encourage this dialog with America so that those who have felt shut out of or
even offended by public oroadcasting decisions can be heard.
CPB has been endeavoring to do this in response to Section 19 of the Public Com-
munications Act of 1992 through the program identified as Open to the Public. By
soliciting comments through mail and 800 phone number, they have sought public
input. While I commend and encourage this effort summarized in their report of
January 31, 1994, I believe it should continue, but I do not think that this is the
only way to achieve the objective. My concern is that when you invite responses in
this manner, interest groups representing specific points of view can respond out of
proportion to that of the general public. I believe that those who are elected truly
represent the people — that is why they are the ones in office. As I did when I want-
ed to know the public response to actions that I was proposing at the Department
of Transportation or at the Port Authority, if confirmed I will seek the advice of the
Members of Congress, State and local officials, and Governors as an important sup-
plement to information received from staff and surveys.
Very specifically, I am impressed by Senator Dole's statement, "I think public
broadcasting should continue, but it ought to adopt some reforms." I am in complete
agreement and stand ready to work with you and other Members of Congress to in-
stitute reforms that can strengthen public broadcasting and emphasize its positive
benefits.
Senator Pressler. All right. Thank you.
Well, let me say that I hope that if you are confirmed that you
will go over there and work for fairness in public broadcasting. You
are a man who appears to be from a partisan background, but that
makes you even more qualified to be fair. But it is the feeling of
14
many thoughtful Americans, not just myself. I would not put my-
self in that category, that there is a problem there in the way the
programs are prepared, in the way the staff is selected, in the way
people are — you cannot have a balanced program just by having
one or two Republicans on for balance, it is the subtle things that
go on. I think you know about that as well as all of us do.
But the way that is cured, and you cannot cure it entirely, is to
have fair-minded people on that board who care about the future
of public broadcasting, and I think probably you do. But I hope that
it is not with a partisan spirit that you go there, and I look forward
to reading your comments on Senator Dole's speech.
Mr. Sagner. Yes, sir.
Senator Pressler. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
Senator Inouye. Thank you very much.
Mr. Sagner, you have responded to the questions that we have
submitted, so I will not repeat those questions again. I would just
like to make an observation. As I said earlier, I am constantly
amazed at the number of high-quality, talented, successful citizens
of the United States who step forward to take up public service
when they could be at home in comfortable surroundings making
money. And so as a citizen of the United States I thank you for
making yourself available.
As a Democrat, I am proud to have you appointed by the Presi-
dent of the United States. After all, the law says the President
shall appoint so many Democrats and so many Republicans. I
would prefer to have someone who steps forward and says yes, I
am a Republican, yes, I am a Democrat, instead of saying yes, I
am a mugwump. [Laughter.]
Mr. Sagner. I could not qualify for that, I am afraid.
Senator iNOUYE. And we will have a lot of work for you. I think
it should be noted that we have public television on one side and
commercial television on the other. Your job is to make certain that
programming will reach the underserved and unserved areas where
it would not be profitable for commercial broadcasting to enter.
I would like to see you enter into the field of education, the
schoolroom, the classroom, and as far as the highway is concerned,
it is primarily for profitmakers. And no matter how broad the su-
perhighway may be, we need you for the little side roads, because
the superhighway users will not be taking those side roads and we
will depend upon you to be providing essential information to those
Americans who may not have access to broadcasting if it were not
for CPB.
We have sufficient evidence to indicate that there are many
Americans who would be completely devoid of radio and television
were it not for CPB and public radio. So, yours is a very important
job, to make certain that all Americans are made aware of what
is going on.
Once again, we thank you very much for offering yourself and we
congratulate you, and I congratulate the President for picking
someone of your caliber, sir.
Mr. Sagner. Thank you. Senator.
Senator Inouye. Thank you, and with that we will stand in ad-
journment.
[Whereupon, at 4:10 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
APPENDIX
Questions Asked by Senator McCain and Answers Thereto by Mr. Sagner
Question. In the iournal of Social, Political and Economic Studies, according to an
article entitled "Cuoan political Action in the United States," by Robert Riefe, it has
been asserted that you were one of the founding members of the Fair Play for Cuba
Committee. Please comment. How long were you a member of this organization?
Answer. I had been aware, through my reading of history, of the sad history of
Cuba since the Spanish American War. During the repressive dictatorship of
Batista, some vacationed in Havana where American gangsters ran the gambling
and other immoral and corrupt tourist attractions. I refused to join my friends to
travel there and support that government. I was, however, prepared to respond,
along with others, to what appeared to be the possibility of change and reform. In-
deed, the arrival of Fidel Castro in Havana was hailed by the Eisenhower/Nixon ad-
ministration as a positive event heralding the end of a brutal dictatorship and the
beginning of democratic rule.
After tne initial favorable response, a great many articles appearing in some of
the national press, gave a negative picture of the revolution. I read several articles
that painted a different picture, and this pronripted me to see whether by presenting
all the facts about what was happening in Cuba, it might be possible to achieve
what many had hoped for with the overthrow of Batista. My role in the starting
of Fair Play is described in an article I wrote in 1960, which I kept (copy enclosed
herewith).
Within a year or two after the group was organized for the purpose I described,
I ended my relationship. I perceived that people were getting involved whose pur-
pose and mission were dilTerent than mine. It also became clear to me that the time
lor the possibility of a good relationship between the United States and Cuba had
passed and, therefore, there was no reason for me to remain involved.
"HOW THE FAIR PLAY FOR CUBA COMMITTEE WAS FORMED
"In common with many other Americans, I was disturbed and confused this
winter by the unfavorable reports in the papers concerning Castro's Cuba.
"Then, in January, within a few weeks, I read three articles that painted a
different picture. Two were letters to the editor of the New York Times — one
by the noted writer and authority on South and Central America, Waldo
Frank — and one from Rev. Robert Reed, Presbyterian Minister from Long
Branch, NJ, both depicting eyewitness accounts of an encouraging situation in
Cuba. A thorough report in The Nation, entitled "Castro's Cuba," by the experi-
enced correspondent Robert Taber, further confirmed that the American public
was not receiving all the facts.
"I arranged a meeting in New York with them and several mutual friends.
We agreed to form the Committee. Our motive was one of simple humani-
tarianism for the Cuban people, who have suffered so long; but even more, the
selfish devotion to our own nation, which was being led into following a policy
that we felt in the long run would impair its peaceful and prosperous way of
life.
"Waldo Frank, Taber, and I wrote to people we knew personally, or knew
about, who had a reputation for devotion to liberal causes, without regard to
their political beliefs or even their views on Cuba. All we asked was their sup-
port of our position — to present the facts that were not getting to the public.
We have not taken a position of unqualified support of Castro's government, but
are solely dedicated to the premise that small and underprivileged countries be
allowed to solve their peculiar problems, both social and economic, without
undue pressure.
"The funds for our advertisement in the New York Times, April 6, came from
people who agreed with what we are doing — contributed in many individual
(15)
16
small amounts. No money for this ad or our mailings was received from Cuba
or the Cuban government or any other agency or institution.
"Inasmuch as certain newspapers, columnists, and commentators have ques-
tioned the inspiration and support of the Committee, and as I know, it devel-
oped as described above, I feel I should identify myself. I am a graduate of the
University of Maryland, class of 1942, and live in suburban South Orange, NJ,
with wife and three children. I am a land developer and builder, charter mem-
ber and past president of the Livingston Rotary Club, member of the Orange
Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America, vice president of Newark's larg-
est hospital, board of governors, Essex County Chapter — American Cancer Soci-
ety, and a registered Democrat. It sounds very sinister, doesn't it, Mr. S
y?"
Question. Please note with specificity your involvement with this organization,
and specifically list and describe all activities you engaged in on behalf oithis orga-
nization.
Answer. Other than beginning to get people together who shared my views, as
expressed in the article mentioned above, I aid not take an active role. In the first
year, I spoke to groups to explain the purpose of Fair Play and my involvement.
Question. Please supply a complete list of all contributions made by you or your
immediate family to the Fair Play for Cuba Committee.
Answer. I no longer have any record of my contributions. My recollection is that
it did not exceed several thousand dollars. No member of my immediate family
made any contribution, to the best of my recollection. (See p. 5 for contributions.)
Question. Did you ever raise money for this organization? If so, how much and
when?
Answer. In talks and correspondence on the organizing of the Fair Play for Cuba
Committee, there were probably incidental requests for contributions. Fund raising
was not a major activity of mine. I have no record or recollection of how much, if
any, resulted from my effort.
Question. Are you knowledgeable about who or what group(s) funded the Fair
Play for Cuba Committee? If so, please specify.
Answer. No, other than money received as explained in a previous question. At
the time I ceased my activity, there were rumors that some money for advertise-
ments had come from Cuban sources. I had no knowledge if the rumors were true
or not.
Question. Do you know Robert Taber? If so, please describe the nature of your
relationship.
Answer. Yes, I knew Robert Taber. As discussed in the attached article, I met
him and discussed his writing about the revolution, and we developed the idea of
forming Fair Play to present a complete report on the events occurring in Cuba. I
believe he remained active in Fair Play after I left. I haven't seen him since then.
Question. What positions did you serve for Governor Byrne of New Jersey?
Answer. I servea in his cabinet as Commissioner of the Department of Transpor-
tation.
Question. In what capacity did you serve Governor Byrne during his election cam-
paign? Please specify.
Answer. I was a member of the finance committee during his primary campaign
for Governor of New Jersey and became Finance Chair when the Chair, Archer Al-
exander, Jr., resigned. I was also Chair of his Inauguration Committee.
Question. Please note with specificity, including dates and amounts, all donations,
loans, direct gifts, or gifts-in-kind made to Governor Byrne either as governor or as
a candidate for the ofnce of governor.
Answer. I don't have these records. All gifts were made in accordance with exist-
ing New Jersey election law.
Question. In your biographical information supplied to the Senate Commerce
Committee, you noted political contributions made oy yourself since 1985. Please list
similar information dating from 1975 to 1985.
Answer. I am enclosing a schedule of political contributions from 1982 through
1984 to supplement the record from 1985 to the present. I do not have my records
of the period preceding 1982.
Alan Sagner Contributions— 1982-84
Date Title Amount
28-Feb-82 Friends of Merlino $100.00
31-Jul-82 Merlmo for Congress 250.00
28-Feb-82 Adam Levin for Congress 500.00
17
Alan Sagner Contributions — 1982-S4 — Continued
Date Title Amount
31-Aug-82 Adam Levin for Congress 250.00
28-Feb-82 Bill Bradley for Senate 500.00
30-NOV-82 Bill Bradley for Senate 500.00
30-Jun-82 Friends of Tom Bradley 1,000.00
31-Mar-82 Shapiro— 82 250.00
30-Apr-82 Shapiro— 82 4,750.000
30-Jun-82 Peter Shapiro Campaign Committee 1,000.00
31-0ct-«2 Reelect Shapiro Campaign 1,200.00
30-NOV-82 Reelect Shapiro Campaign 500.00
31-Mar-82 Lautenberg for US. Senate 1,000.00
31-Aug-82 Lautenberg for U.S. Senate 1,000.00
31-Mar-a2 W State Democratic Committee 2,500.00
30-Sep-82 NJ State Democratic Committee 500.00
31-0ct-82 NJ State Democratic Committee 500.00
31-May-82 Essex County Democratic Committee 1,000.00
31-0ct-82 Essex County Democratic Committee 5,500.00
31-Jan-83 Mondale for President 1,000.00
28-Feb-83 Democratic National Party 500.00
28-Feb-«3 NY State Democratic Committee 1,000.00
28-Feb-83 Friends of Shapiro Committee 500.00
30-Apr-83 Branch for U.S. Senate 100.00
30-Apr-83 Democratic Congressional Dinner Committee 1,000.00
30-Apr-83 Woodrow Wilson Democratic Society 250.00
31-May^3 Lyman for Senate 250.00
31-May-83 Essex County Democratic Committee 1,000.00
31-May-83 Van-Wagman Campaign 500.00
30-Jun-83 Democratic State Committee 1,500.00
31-Oct-83 Democratic Committee— Jim Roe 1,000.00
31-0ct-83 Democratic Committee — Van Wagman 500.00
31-0ct-83 Democratic Committee— Orrechio 1,000.00
31-0ct-83 Democratic Committee — Jim Bachman 1,000.00
31-Oct-83 Essex County Democratic Committee 125.00
30-Nov-83 Essex County Democratic Committee 500.00
31-Dec-83 1984 Democratic Presidential Trust 5,000.00
31-Jan-84 Jim Hunt for Congress 500.00
31-Jan-84 Lautenberg Committee 500.00
28-Feb-84 New Hampshire for Mondale , 1,000.00
28-Feb-84 Lynn Adelman for Congress 500.00
30-Apr-84 Toricelli for Congress 500.00
31-May-84 NJ State Democratic Committee 500.00
30-Jun-84 Jim Hunt for Congress 500.00
30-Jun-84 Democratic National Committee 700.00
30-Jun-84 Mondale Compliance Fund 1,000.00
30-Jun-84 Friends of Shapiro 250.00
31-Jul-84 1984 Democratic Victory Dinner 750.00
31-Aug-84 Democratic Senate Campaign Committee 5,000.00
31-Aug-84 Friends of Carmen Orrechio 300.00
31-Aug-84 Americans for Hart 1,000.00
31-Aug-84 Democratic National Committee 660.00
30-Sep-84 North Carolina Victory Fund 1,000.00
Total 54,185.00
Question. In your biographical information supplied to the Senate Commerce
Committee, you noted political contributions made by yourself since 1985. To the
best of your knowledge, have other political contributions been made — in addition
to those listed as being made by yourself — by your wife, Ruth Sagner?
Answer. Yes, my wife, Ruth Sagner has made political contributions and attached
is a list from 1982 through 1994.
Date
Ruth Sagner Contributions— 1982-3/31/94
Title
31-May-82 Maguire for Senator
Amount
$1,000.00
18
Ruth Sagner Contributions— 1982-3/31/94— Continued
Date Title , Amount
31-Mar-83 Mondale for President 1,000.00
31-May-S3 Bill Bradley— U.S. Senate 500.00
30-Jun-«4 Mondale Compliance Fund 1,000.00
31-Aug-84 Americans for Hart 1,000.00
31-Mar-82 Bill Bradley for Congress 250.00
31-May-84 Bill Bradley for Congress 500.00
30-Sep-^ Bill Bradley for Congress 300.00
31-May-84 1984 Democratic Victory Fund 5,000.00
31-May-84 Norman D'Anours for U.S. Senate 1,000.00
31-Mar-85 Mondale Assessment Fund 1,000.00
31-Ma^5 Peter Shapiro 800.00
31-Jul-85 Peter Sfia pi ro 800.00
31-Mar-86 Lautenberg Committee 500.00
30-Apr-86 Leahy for U.S. Senate 1,000.00
31-May-86 Bob Edgar for Senate 1,000.00
30-Jun-85 Frank Ashin for Congress 1,000.00
31-Oct-86 Mark Green for U.S. Senate 1,000.00
29-Feb-88 Dukakis for President 750.00
16-Jun-«8 Payne for Congress 1,000.00
05-Apr-89 Bradley for U.S. Senate 5,500.00
08-Jan-90 Inaugural 1990 500.00
03-Sep-91 Americans for Harkin 250.00
16-Dec-91 Americans for Harkin 750.00
lO-Jan-92 Boxer for Senate 1,000.00
12-May-92 Democrats for Change 1,000.00
17-Jun-92 FOCUS— Emily's List 5,000.00
25-Jun-92 Democratic National Committee 1 15,000.00
30-May-92 Carol Moseley Brown— U.S. Senate 1,000.00
14-Jan-93 Florio Exploratory Committee 1,000.00
25-Fet>-93 Bill Bradley for U.S. Senate 500.00
09-Mar-93 Blackwell for Congress 600.00
09-Mar-93 Shipnick for Congress 500.00
28-Apr-93 Democratic National Committee 7,500.00
17-Apr-93 Florio— 93 100.00
14-Sep-93 Campaign— 93 1,000.00
20-Sep-93 Terry for Governor 1,000.00
20-Sep-93 Cathie Seidman for Senate 1,000.00
20-Sep-93 Roberts for Governor 1,000.00
27-Oct-93 Brown for Governor 1,000.00
27-Oct-93 Emily's List 5,000.00
26-Feb-94 DSCC— Women's Council 1,500.00
25-Feb-94 Boyle for Senate 500.00
25-Feb-94 Getsch for Governor 500.00
14-Mar-94 Yeshel for Governor 500.00
14-Mar-94 Ann Richards for Governor 500.00
14-Mar-94 Diane Feinstein for Senate 1,000.00
Total 71,600.00
Question. From 1974-1977, you served as a Commissioner on the Port Authority
of New York and New Jersey. Please note specifically what duties that position en-
tailed.
Answer. As a Commissioner, I was one of 12; 6 from New Jersey and 6 from New
York State. The role of the Commissioner was similar to that of a trustee of the
board of a company. We reviewed reports from the administration through the Exec-
utive Director, and under the leadership of the Chairman, made policy decisions. We
also used our position to represent our separate States and make certain that poli-
cies and programs of the agency were equitable regarding each State's interests.
Question. As a Commissioner, where you made aware of all the financial dealings
of the Port Authority? Did you have any supervisory authority over financial mat-
ters?
Answer. From among the commissioners a Finance Committee was selected that
went into the details of financial dealings of the Authority. This pertained to eco-
nomic feasibility of capital projects, operating expenses, and very important, the
19
management of the large borrowing of the Authority. Their recommendations were
reported to the full board for vote.
I was not a member of the Finance Committee while a Commissioner, but had
to vote on its recommendations. Each Commissioner received complete details well
in advance of meetings and often we debated issues before voting. When I became
Chairman of the Authority, it was my responsibility to work closely with the Com-
mittee before it reported to the Board ana to blend its financial deliberations with
the overall planning policies of the Authority and the concern of the officials of the
2 states we served. I served as Chairman from 1977 to 1985.
The financial operations of the Port Authority were a major issue when I became
Chair, as the result of disclosure of Questionable practices by some staff and com-
missioners that had not been known oy the Board. As Chair, I ordered a thorough
investigation, taking action where appropriate. I then introduced a new office of
Auditor General, with broad powers to prevent any improper future activities from
being concealed from the Board in the future.
Question. Were you made aware of any contracts or projects entered into by the
Port Authority?
Answer. The answer to the previous question also applies to contracts and
f»rojects of the Port Authority. As Chair, I had to consult with and obtain approval
rom the legislatures and governors of both States, as their approval was necessary
to initiate new major projects.
For example. Governor Byrne wanted the Port Authority to assist the State in fi-
nancing public rail transportation. Our Bond Covenant prohibited financing rail
transportation. To meet the Governor's request, it was necessary to work with Con-
gress to get legislation that gave us a way to get the program the Governor wanted.
Question. Were you allowed to vote or comment on any contracts or projects en-
tered into by the Port Authority?
Answer. Yes, on all those that were of any major substance financially or politi-
cally, we reviewed in detail before approving.
Question. In 1992 you served as a Manager Trustee of the Democratic National
Committee. At the same time you state that you served as the organizer of Repub-
licans for Clinton-Gore? What did that position entail?
Answer. There were business people I knew in New Jersey who had been reg-
istered Republicans, and in some cases active politically, who I was aware were not
planning to support the Bush/Quayle ticket for a variety of reasons. As a strong sup-
porter and fund raiser for the Clinton/Gore slate, I arranged for them to form a sep-
arate group that would collect funds from fellow Republicans and publicize their
reasons for switching allegiances in the election. With the cooperation of the Demo-
cratic National Committee, we arranged several press conferences and press re-
leases, and that was the extent of my involvement.
Question. You have stated that you ended your relationship with the Fair Play
for Cuba Committee (FPFC) "within a year or two after the group was organized."
Can you please be more specific.
Answer. I really can't be more specific. When it became apparent that the efibrts
of the Fair Play for Cuba Committee to help bring about a productive relationship
between my country and Cuba were fruitless, I just stopped any contact with those
who were active.
Question. You state that you addressed groups on behalf of FPFC. a) What groups
did you address? b) Did addressing any of^these groups involve travel? If so, please
list places to which you traveled.
Answer. I have no record or memory of the specific groups that I addressed, or
any travel, with one exception; I do remember an interview in Philadelphia on a
local radio station. It stays in my memory because some local people, who were ne-
gotiating to do business with my late father-in-law, heard me and told him about
it. He didn't share my optimism about the possibility of good relations with Cuba
and let me know, in no uncertain terms, about his lack of appreciation for my in-
volvement.
Question. On April 6, 1960, an advertisement appeared in the New York Times.
Copy attached. Your name appears in the advertisement. Please comment.
Answer. The ad was put together, I believe, by Taber and others, in order to see
if there were any other people who shared our view about the reporting on events
in Cuba.
Question. Do you agree with the text of the advertisement?
Answer. I assume I did at the time. I didn't prepare the copy, and for me, the
importance of the ad was the formation of the committee. Please note the small box
that appears in the ad over the names, which says, "This public appeal for Fair Play
for Cuba has the support of a group of thinking individuals, holding a variety of
political persuasions, representing no one but themselves, linked here by a single
20
common concern — for the overriding principle of justice, which is always at issue
wherever partisan interest clashes with simple truth * * *"
Question. You state that you perceived tnat "people were getting involved [with
FPFC] whose purpose and mission were different than mine. What "purpose and
mission" was that? Please list the names of the people to whom you are referring.
Please be specific.
Answer. Taber was interested in continuing Fair Play and reaching out to form
"chapters" in other cities. I was 40 years old and very active with my young family
and my building operations in New Jersey, and not interested in building or promot-
ing an organization, when my original reason for getting involved in Fair Play for
Cuba was no longer possible. At this time, other than Taber, I can't recall the names
of other people who were involved that long ago.
Question. Please state for the record what you know of Mr. Robert Taber.
Answer. I know no more than I have reported in response to your previous ques-
tions. I read his article in The Nation, found out he nad been in Cuba, and was
a reporter for CBS. I know nothing about him or his activities before we met, or
since that time.
Question. Do you know Mr. Richard Gibson? If so, please describe the nature of
the relationship.
Answer. Richard Gibson, I believe, was an associate of Taber's, who worked with
him at CBS and was among those who became involved in Fair Play very early on.
I must have met him, but I nad no particular relationship with him.
Question. Do you know of or have you ever been associated with the Liberation
Committee for Africa? If so, please specify.
Answer. No.
Question. Did you ever publicly disassociate yourself with the Fair Play for Cuba
Committee, yes or no? If the answer is yes, please specify when and supply docu-
mentation supporting your claim. If the answer is no, and you disagreed with the
direction the organization was going, why not?
Answer. No. I didn't think it was necessary. I thought it was sufficient for me
to terminate my involvement. I couldn't see any possibility of fulfilling my objec-
tives, and I had other things to do.
Question. Do you know Dr. Herbert Aptheker? If so, please describe the nature
of the relationship.
Answer. No.
Question. You forwarded an article to me written by yourself entitled "How the
Fair Play for Cuba Committee Was Formed." a) When was that article published?
b) Where was that article published? c) Why did you write this article? d) Who is
the individual referred to as "Mr. S y'7
Answer. Fair Play put out a newsletter and the article was in the May 6, 1960,
and I kept a copy. I wrote the article because reports in the press, particularly by
Mr. George Sokolsky, a columnist in a newspaper that I think is no longer in exist-
ence in New York, and a strong supporter of Sen. Joe McCarthy, stated that Fair
Play was started by the Cuban government. As I knew that was not true, I wrote
that article.
Question. In the biography section of the article referred to a previous question,
it states that "until a few weeks ago, he [Mr. Alan Sagner] had never been to Cuba."
a) Did you visit Cuba before writing this article? b) If yes, how long did you stay
there? c) what was the purpose of your visit? d) Did you or have you ever met with
Fidel Castro? e) Have you ever returned to Cuba since? If so, please list the dates
and purposes for such visits.
Answer. I went to Cuba about the time I wrote the article, and presumably it was
just before that. I was there less than a week. The purpose of my visit was to see
what was happening there and to meet and talk to some Cubans. I called on people
whose names I believe I got from Taber and/or from Charles Santos Busch, a Cuban
medical student at Columbia University. I did not meet Fidel Castro on that visit.
I did meet him briefly when he was in New York to visit the United Nations. I have
not returned to Cuba since that initial visit.
Question. In 1974, New Jersey State Senator Anthony Imperiale (listed as both
an Independent and Democrat from the Newark area, Essex county) attempted to
"blackball" your nomination as a New Jersey Commissioner to the NY/NJ Port Au-
thority. Please comment.
Answer. My recollection is that it was at my confirmation hearing as commis-
sioner of Transportation for New Jersey D.O.T., not for the Port Authority. Senator
Imperiale and I had a bad relationship. He was from Newark, and was a strong and
active opponent of efforts to promote civil rights and integration in housing and
schooling in Newark. On a local TV station, during a discussion, he referred to the
Reverend Martin Luther King as "Martin Luther Coon". As the President of a hos-
21
pital in Newark and a strong advocate for civil rights legislation and action, I didn't
conceal my negative opinion of Senator Imperiale and his actions. When he opposed
my confirmation, he didn't challenge my ability to run the Transportation Depart-
ment, but objected because I had been an organizer of Fair Play over a decade be-
fore. When he was asked by the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee what this
had to do with my being Commissioner of Transportation, he stated that if there
were an invasion of the United States, I, as Commissioner, could block the highways
and prevent our troops from maneuvering. The Committee didn't accept his judg-
ment of my loyalty to my country and the relevance of his concern, and I was imme-
diately confirmed.
Question. You state that in your capacity as the organizer of Republicans for Clin-
ton/Gore you contacted many individuals whom you knew were Republicans and
were planning to support then-candidate Clinton. You also state that you made it
possible for them to publicize their reasons for "switching allegiances." Please list
the names of those people to whom you are referring.
Answer. I am enclosing an article that describes the Republicans for Clinton.
[The Star-Ledger, Thursday, Oct. 15, 1992]
GOP Business Leaders Line Up Behind Clinton
(By David Wald)
Republican business executives from New Jersey and elsewhere yesterday said
they were supporting Democrat Bill Clinton for President because President Bush
has failed to understand the economic problems facing the country.
The businessmen from New Jersey joined Republicans for Clinton, a group orga-
nized in the State in the summer by prochoice GOP women.
Allen Bildner, the former Kings Supermarket chief executive, and Albert Gamper,
the chief executive officer of the CIT Group, a financial services company, said Bush
had failed to exercise leadership on a host of domestic issues.
"Whatever the reason, our President doesn't seem to be exercising the leadership,
the creativity, or the programs to help deal with these problems," said Bildner, 66,
now the chairman of a management and consulting company.
Bildner contributed heavily to the Republican Party in 1988 and was a member
of the RNC's Team 100. Two weeks ago, he attended a $50,000 per person fund-
raiser for the Democratic National Committee and Clinton.
"I never dreamed I'd be standing here as a Republican for Clinton," Bildner said.
Gamper, 50, said he, too, had voted for Bush's election.
'The American economy is not in good shape today, and I don't see anything com-
ing out of the present administration that changes my concern," he said.
Gamper added he thought it was time for a "generational change" at the White
House.
Bildner and Gamper spoke about the Presidential campaign at a news conference
yesterday held at the Secaucus law firm of Waters, McPherson & McNeill.
They were joined by Louis Cabot, the retired chairman of the Cabot Corp., a spe-
cialty chemicals company based in Boston, and Roger Johnson, the chairman of
Western Digital Corp. of Irvine, CA, two chief executive officers who are traveling
around the country for Clinton.
'These days when I leave Orange County it's to a great round of applause," John-
son joked. Orange County, in southern California, is heavily Republican.
Johnson said he had become disappointed with Bush more than a year ago.
He said the Bush administration denied and misunderstood the economic prob-
lems in the country.
'They said all we had to do was to keep the Government away a little longer and
everything will be OK. It isn't OK."
Nancy Rubin, a volunteer for the Democratic Presidential campaign, said similar
sessions with business executives would be held in six other States before election
day: Maine, Connecticut, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.
William Palatucci, the executive director of the Bush reelection campaign in New
Jersey, was not impressed by the endorsements for Clinton.
"We have as many or more chief executive officers across the country who are still
very supportive," he said. "We don't know of any American corporations who are
going to do better in the higher tax, bigger government Mr. Clinton will create."
A New Jersey business council for Clinton was organized earlier this year by Alan
Sagner, a long-time Democratic Party activist who is a developer and the former
chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
22
Republicans for Clinton was founded by Jennifer Hauge of Convent Station and
Heidi Ehman of Hawthorne, who endorsed Clinton last Jmy because of his prochoice
position on abortion.
The business executives acknowledged they were likely to pay higher taxes if
Clinton is elected and follows through on a promise to hike income taxes on those
who earn more than $200,000 a year.
Bildner said, "Most Americans would be willing to pay more if they had con-
fidence in the way it would be spent."
Cabot, who is a trustee of the Brookings Institute in Washington, said, "It's im-
portant that Clinton hasn't painted himself into a corner like George Bush did. You
nave to do something about the revenue side."
Question. How would you describe your political point of view?
Answer. I am a Democrat and have been a strong and active supporter of fly
party, beginning with Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I haven't always agreed with my
party's policies, but I support the Democrats because I believe they are dedicated
to a strong and constructive role for government at the state and federal level, and
that is what I strongly believe is necessary to maintain a civil and productive soci-
ety in this increasingly complicated world.
Question. Please state again why you believe you are qualified to serve on the
Corporation for Public Broadcasting Board.
Answer. Repeating the statements that I made in my appearance before the sen-
ate Committee, I would like to add the following:
I believe that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting faces serious challenges in
the future.
(1) It must operate efiiciently and handle its funds in a responsible, businesslike
way, to justify support in years of budget restrictions. I have been successful in a
tough, competitive ousiness for 50 years, and have always fulfilled my obligations
in an honest and efficient way, which is based on my understanding of fiscal man-
agement.
I carried this ability over into my years in government service and saw that the
taxpayers, or in the case of the Port Authority, the users, got full value. As I have
described before, I am particularly concerned about independent auditing of ex-
penses, to make certain that all monies are spent for the purposes for which they
were intended. I can bring this to the CPB as a board member.
(2) Public broadcasting must present a fair and balanced array of programs if it
is to be supported by the public. In my judgment, this can be done by developing
a true relationship with members of Congress, of all political perspectives, so that
there is a level of trust and understanding of the needs to be fulfilled on both sides.
As Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and as Chair-
man of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, I had to deal with the leg-
islatures and executives of government in two states. I received high marks for my
ability to achieve understanding and cooperation and to obtain the necessary legisla-
tive approvals.
Public broadcasting must be accountable to the public, and no one represents the
public better than those elected to serve it. That is why developing this strong rela-
tionship is essential, and why I can bring my experience in doing that to the CPB.
As a member of the board of Business Executives for National Security, I have
been active in the successful efibrt of BENS to influence legislation to accomplish
its purpose of a businesslike expenditure of public monies for defense. BENS ob-
tained Congressional support for rational ana successful base closing legislation —
legislation that allowed tne military to close bases that it didn't want and direct
that money to needed programs.
The legislation creating CPB specifically called for the President to appoint mem-
bers to tne board with a specific balance of Democrats and Republicans. I am an
active Democrat, in fundraising, contributing and government service for many
years, and I can bring that partisan balance that the law requires.
O
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 9999 05982 140 3
ISBN 0-16-044415-2
9 780160"444159'
90000
Live Music
Archive
Librivox
Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland
Museum of Art
Internet
Arcade
Console Living Room
Open Library
American
Libraries
TV News
Understanding
9/11